Frequently Asked Questions
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What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found worldwide. Large deposits of asbestos rock was mined -- much like coal, iron oar and other natural rock deposits -- in large quantities due to its heat and chemical resistance. In addition, its fibrous structure makes it ideal for bonding materials such as wall textures, insulation, sheet vinyl, and organically bound materials such as floor tiles, giving them added strength as well as added heat and chemical endurance.
Why is asbestos hazardous to our health?
Because of its fibrous structure.
Although our bodies can defend against physical contact and even digestion of asbestos, we cannot prevent disease if the tiny, fish-hook like fibers become airborne and are inhaled into our respiratory system. Once the microscopic fibers, which make up asbestos rock, bypass the hairs, mucus and cilia that line the esophagus and finally makes it to the lungs, the immune system kicks in as a final line of defense and sends white blood cells to attempt to remove the foreign material from the body.
White blood cells work by consuming foreign antigens and dissolving them with powerful enzymes; however, this backfires when attempted on asbestos fibers. That's because asbestos is chemical resistant so the enzymes have no affect and because of its fibrous structure, it will actually destroy the immune cells. This causes a chain reaction where more white blood cells come in to attempt to eliminate the now damaged blood cell and, thus, is also destroyed. As this continues, the cells build up and scar tissue forms in the lung causing the most common asbestos disease; Asbestosis. Other asbestos related diseases are: Mesothelioma and cancer.
Although our bodies can defend against physical contact and even digestion of asbestos, we cannot prevent disease if the tiny, fish-hook like fibers become airborne and are inhaled into our respiratory system. Once the microscopic fibers, which make up asbestos rock, bypass the hairs, mucus and cilia that line the esophagus and finally makes it to the lungs, the immune system kicks in as a final line of defense and sends white blood cells to attempt to remove the foreign material from the body.
White blood cells work by consuming foreign antigens and dissolving them with powerful enzymes; however, this backfires when attempted on asbestos fibers. That's because asbestos is chemical resistant so the enzymes have no affect and because of its fibrous structure, it will actually destroy the immune cells. This causes a chain reaction where more white blood cells come in to attempt to eliminate the now damaged blood cell and, thus, is also destroyed. As this continues, the cells build up and scar tissue forms in the lung causing the most common asbestos disease; Asbestosis. Other asbestos related diseases are: Mesothelioma and cancer.
Doesn't large amounts of asbestos need to be inhaled to cause disease?
No.
Asbestos related diseases are regarded as "dose response" meaning that the larger the dose, the more likely someone is to contract a disease, but there is no definitive, minimal amount of asbestos needed to become sick. It is possible that a very small exposure can cause disease.
Asbestos related diseases are regarded as "dose response" meaning that the larger the dose, the more likely someone is to contract a disease, but there is no definitive, minimal amount of asbestos needed to become sick. It is possible that a very small exposure can cause disease.
Where can asbestos be found?
Asbestos was, and still is, used in building materials for a variety of reasons. Asbestos fibers are incredibly strong and have properties that make them resistant to heat, chemical damage and insulate against the electricity as well as adding durability to a product. Asbestos was added to thermal and acoustic insulation, fireproofing, roofing products and flooring.
Wasn't asbestos banned?
There are common misunderstandings about an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ban on ACM products or uses from 1989. Many sources incorrectly report that all asbestos-containing products have been banned. In 1991, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals vacated much of the so-called “Asbestos Ban and Phaseout” rule and remanded it to the EPA. Thus, much of the original 1989 EPA ban on the U.S. manufacturing, importation. Processing. Or distribution in commerce of many asbestos-containing product categories are still subject to the 1989 asbestos ban, However, EPA has no existing bans on other asbestos-containing products or uses. Products manufactured in other countries may also contain asbestos and can be imported into the United States.
EPA does NOT track the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of asbestos-containing products. It would be prudent for a consumer or other buyer to inquire as to the presence of asbestos in particular products. Possible sources of that information would include inquiring of the dealer/supplier or manufacturer, refer to the product’s “Safety Data Sheet” (SDS), or consider having the material tested by an accredited laboratory before installing it in your building.
EPA does NOT track the manufacture, processing, or distribution in commerce of asbestos-containing products. It would be prudent for a consumer or other buyer to inquire as to the presence of asbestos in particular products. Possible sources of that information would include inquiring of the dealer/supplier or manufacturer, refer to the product’s “Safety Data Sheet” (SDS), or consider having the material tested by an accredited laboratory before installing it in your building.
